Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Aug 22, 2018

Partner Profile: BecA-ILRI Hub

CALS researchers Linda Hanley-Bowdoin and Trino Ascencio-Ibanez launched an international partnership through the Biosciences eastern and central Africa – International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub focused on studying the evolution of Cassava mosaic disease. 

Aug 17, 2018

In the Wild and the Lab, Female Mosquitoes Get Choosy Quickly to Offset Invasions

Certain female mosquitoes quickly evolve more selective mating behavior when faced with existential threats from other invasive mosquito species, with concurrent changes to certain genetic regions, according to new research from North Carolina State University. The findings shed light on the genetics behind insect mating behavior and could have implications for controlling mosquito pests that plague humans. 

Aug 10, 2018

10 of the Most Diabolical Crop Pests in North Carolina

Arthropod pests (both insects and mites) rob North Carolina farmers every year by eating into their crop yields. No matter what a grower does, it seems like there is always a destructive pest waiting in the wings. We’ve curated a list of 10 of the most vexing pests that prey on agriculture in North Carolina. 

Aug 7, 2018

CALS Students Named FFAR Fellows

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research today announced 17 inaugural fellows -- including three CALS grad students -- for a Graduate Training Program in Food and Agriculture Science. 

Aug 3, 2018

7 Fascinating NC Arthropods (That You’ve Never Heard Of)

Some insects and their relatives (called “arthropods”) are so common, large and/or showy that you can’t help but notice them. Others are generally unknown due to their small size, or are simply uncommon — and many of these can be found right outside your door. All it takes is a little adventure and, perhaps, a magnifying glass. 

Jul 19, 2018

Cities as Study Proxies for Climate Change

Cities can serve as useful proxies to study and predict the effects of climate change, according to a North Carolina State University research review that tracks urbanization’s effects on plant and insect species. 

Jul 18, 2018

Podcast: Pesticide Resistance Arms Race

In a recent NC State podcast, CALS' Fred Gould discusses the rising rate of pesticide resistance and what can be done to protect crops and human health from resistant pests. In sharing his perspective, Gould draws on a recent Science journal review article he co-wrote with NC State experts in agricultural and resource economics and science and technology policy. 

Jul 6, 2018

4 of North Carolina’s Oddest Pollinators (They Aren’t Bees)

With all the fuss about bee health and pollinator protection in the news over the past few years, it’s easy to slip up and start using the word “pollinator” interchangeably with the word “bee.” It’s true that bees—including more than 500 species in North Carolina—are, collectively, important pollinators. But they’re not the only animals capable of moving pollen from flower to flower. 

Jun 7, 2018

Researchers Gain Insight Into Chromosome Evolution in Flies

By identifying a gene indispensable for males’ survival in a devastating livestock pest, North Carolina State University researchers have shed new light on the evolution of fly chromosomes. 

Jun 6, 2018

David Tarpy Demonstrates Queen Bee Research on Capitol Hill

David Tarpy, CALS professor of entomology and Extension apiculturist, is participating in a national exhibition in Washington, D.C., on June 6 to help demonstrate to Congress the importance of agricultural research.